You have a product that needs better packaging. Perhaps you want to replace a plastic insert, protect a fragile item during shipping, or create a custom presentation for a new product.
There’s just one problem: you don’t have a 3D drawing.
Does that mean you can’t start?
Not at all. You can develop custom molded pulp packaging without providing a 3D drawing. A physical sample of your product or existing packaging can give us the starting point we need.
At InNature Pack, we can measure your sample and, when needed, scan it to create a 3D model. From there, our team can help design packaging around your product and guide you through sampling and production.
What Can You Provide Instead of a 3D Drawing?
The most useful starting point depends on where you are in the packaging process.
A Sample of Your Product
If you have a finished product but haven’t designed its packaging yet, you can send us the product itself.
This could be a glass bottle, an electronic device, a tool, a cosmetic container, or another item that needs a protective insert or custom package. Having the physical product allows us to check details that may be difficult to see in photographs, such as its curves, weight distribution and sensitive areas.
For example, if you are packaging an electronic device, we can look at where the product can be supported and which buttons or surfaces should be left untouched.
If your product comes with accessories, such as a cable, charger or instruction booklet, please let us know whether they also need to fit inside the packaging. Sending these components together helps us plan their positions from the beginning.
An Existing Packaging Sample
You may already have packaging that works well but want to explore a molded pulp alternative. In that case, you can send us your current packaging as a reference.
The sample helps us understand its overall size, how the product is held in place and how the different parts fit together. You can also tell us what you like about the current design and what you would like to improve.
If the existing packaging is made from plastic, foam or another material, some features may need to be redesigned for molded pulp. The goal is to develop a structure that works for your product and can be manufactured reliably.
Whenever possible, we recommend sending both the existing packaging and the product it holds. This allows us to check how they fit together and use that information when developing the new design.
What Information Should You Share with Your Sample?
A physical sample tells us a lot about the shape and size of a product. To design packaging that works in practice, we also need to understand how you plan to use it.
You don’t need to have every detail worked out before contacting us. Sharing what you already know is enough to start the conversation.
The following information is particularly helpful:
- How the packaging will be used: Will it be displayed in a retail store, shipped directly to customers, or used for industrial transport?
- Protection requirements: Is the product fragile, heavy or easy to scratch? Are there any areas that should not be pressed?
- Packaging components: Do you need an insert only, or would you also like a molded pulp box, lid or other parts?
- Appearance preferences: Do you have a preferred color, surface finish, logo, label or overall presentation?
- Size limitations: Does the packaging need to fit inside an existing carton or a specific amount of shelf space?
- Estimated quantity: How many pieces do you expect to order at a time, and what is your approximate annual demand?
- Project timeline: When would you like to review samples and begin production?
For instance, a molded pulp insert for a glass bottle shipped by courier may need different protection from an insert designed mainly for retail presentation. Knowing how the package will be used helps us make more suitable design suggestions.
How Do We Turn Your Sample into a Packaging Design?
Once we understand your requirements and receive your sample, we can begin developing the packaging. The exact process may vary depending on the product, but it generally follows these steps.
1. Review and Measure the Sample
We start by examining the product’s size, shape and weight. We also identify any areas that may need extra protection or should not be used as support points.
For a relatively simple product, taking key measurements may provide the information needed for the design. For a product with a more complex shape, scanning can help us capture its contours.
If your sample includes several components, we also consider how they should be arranged. Should they sit side by side? Does the customer need to see everything when the box is opened? Should accessories be held separately? These details influence the final layout.
2. Create a 3D Model
Using the measurements or scanning data, we can create a 3D model of the product or reference packaging. This model gives our designers a basis for developing the molded pulp structure.
Scanning can be useful for capturing complex shapes, but the resulting data may still need to be checked and adjusted. Our team will review the relevant dimensions and details before using the model for packaging design.
3. Design the Molded Pulp Packaging
With the product model and your requirements in hand, we can develop a packaging design around it.
At this stage, we consider questions such as:
- How should the product sit inside the package?
- Where can the packaging support it securely?
- Is there enough space around fragile or sensitive areas?
- Can the product be placed into and removed from the packaging easily?
- Does the design fit inside the intended outer carton?
- Can the structure be produced using molded pulp tooling?
We also consider the features needed for manufacturing, such as draft angles and rounded corners. These details help the molded pulp part release from the mold and support more consistent production.
Depending on the product’s weight, protection requirements, desired appearance and budget, we can also recommend a suitable fiber material and production process.
4. Review the Design Together
Before moving forward, we share the proposed design with you for review. You can check the product layout, packaging structure, main dimensions and other important details.
This is the time to tell us if something needs to change. Perhaps you would like more space for an accessory, a different way to remove the product, or an adjustment to fit your existing carton. We can discuss the feedback and revise the design as needed before proceeding to the next stage.
5. Make and Check Samples
After the design is confirmed, the next step depends on what you need to evaluate. For some projects, a resin or other prototype may be useful for an initial check of the shape and dimensions. If you need to assess the actual molded pulp packaging, a sample mold can be made to produce pulp samples.
The samples can then be checked with your product for fit, ease of use and, where required, performance. If the packaging will be used for shipping, for example, you may want to arrange a drop test or another suitable transport test.
Once the samples meet your requirements, production tooling and manufacturing can be arranged. Sampling methods, costs and lead times depend on the project and can be discussed during the quotation process.
What If You Can’t Send a Physical Sample Yet?
That’s fine. You can still contact us for an initial discussion.
Photos from different angles, approximate dimensions and the product’s weight can help us understand your project. A short video can also be useful, especially if the product has moving parts or an unusual shape.
Along with these details, let us know what type of packaging you need and your estimated order quantity. We can then offer an initial assessment and discuss possible directions.
For packaging that needs a close fit or must protect a delicate product, we will usually recommend reviewing a physical sample later in the process. This allows us to check details and test the packaging against the actual product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to hire a packaging designer before contacting you?
No. If you don’t have a packaging design team or a finished drawing, you can start by sharing your product and requirements. Our team can help develop a molded pulp packaging design based on that information.
Can you design molded pulp packaging from photos alone?
Photos are helpful for an initial assessment, especially when accompanied by dimensions and weight. However, they may not show every detail needed to create a well-fitting package. A physical sample or accurate drawing is usually helpful for checking the final design.
Can you use my existing plastic packaging as a reference?
Yes. You can send us your existing packaging so we can review its shape, structure and how it holds the product. Because molded pulp and plastic have different properties and manufacturing requirements, some details may need to be redesigned.
Can you make a mold as soon as you receive my sample?
We generally need to measure the sample, develop the design and review it with you first. Once the design is confirmed, we can discuss the appropriate sampling and tooling steps.
Start Your Molded Pulp Packaging Project with a Sample
A missing 3D drawing doesn’t have to hold your project back. Whether you have a finished product, an existing package you would like to replace, or just a few photos and preliminary measurements, there is a way to start the conversation.
Have a product but no packaging drawing? Contact InNature Pack and share your project details. You can also send us a physical sample, and our team will help you develop a molded pulp packaging solution from the initial design through to production.